Cool facts about metals recycling

The periodic table shows all the elements that occur naturally in the earth or atmosphere or are a by-product of these elements. As you can see metal occupies quite a number of these squares

Every tonne of recycled steel saves:

1.5 tonnes of iron ore

0.5 tonnes of coal

70% of the energy

40% of the water

75% of CO2 emissions

0.97 tonnes of CO2

Lithium (Li), found in electric car batteries, is rare and only present in small concentrations of the Earth's crust. Recycling isn't viable. BMRA is part of the ReLiB project, looking at ways to extract lithium for recycling. Fact: http://phys.org

Tungsten (W) is one of the hardest metals, that can withstand extreme temperatures, it is even used in rocket engine nozzles.

Titanium (Ti) is low density, high strength, 45% lighter than steel, and more importantly, recyclable. It is highly resistant to corrosion from sea water, for example. It is used in many industries including healthcare, for example, joint replacements

68% of all Nickel (Ni) from consumer products is recycled and begins a new life cycle (fig 2010). 57% of all mined nickel is still in use and global nickel-related CO emissions are reduced by one third thanks to nickel recycling. Fact: @NickelInstitute

Metal is 100% recyclable, it is permanent and it can be recycled forever, over and over again. It contributes to the circular economy, avoiding landfill.

Recycling one tonne of Tin (Sn) saves 99% of the energy required for the primary production of tin. Facts: BIR

Gold (Au) is a noble metal. It is relatively unreactive and resists degradation by air, moisture, or acidic conditions*. 1 tonne of mobile phones contains as much gold as 70 tonnes of gold ore**. Facts: *http://Thoughtco.com **UNU, 2009

Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to run a set of Christmas tree lights for two hours! Fact: Every Can Counts

50% of lead (Pb) has been used before in other products. Using secondary lead instead of ore reduces CO2 emissions by a whooping 99%. Facts: BIR

At present, approximately 30% of global Zinc (Zn) production comes from secondary zinc. Over 80% of the zinc available for recycling is eventually recycled. Secondary zinc production uses 76% less energy than primary. Facts: BIR

6.7 million ounces of silver (Ag) was supplied from the recycling of scrap in 2017. Old jewellery scrap, coins and bars make up a significant part of the scrap pool. Source: World Silver Study 2018

Almost 40% of the world's demand for copper (Cu) is met using recycled material. By recycling copper instead of extracting it from mined copper ore we reduce CO2 emissions by 65%. 60% produced since the 1900s is still in use. Facts: BIR

The BMRA is an advocate of widening the appeal of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in schools. We recognise the importance of engaging children at an early age to ensure they not only they themselves recycle at home but also to encourage them to consider a career in this fast-paced, hi-tech sector. If you would like to discuss how you can educate children about metals recycling, email admin@recyclemetals.org.